Trip Report
Re: Bucuti 6-10/6-17

There isn’t much that I can say negative about this resort. This was our 6th trip to the island, but our first at Bucuti. I’m sold! It’s completely laid back, no getting up at the crack of dawn for a Palapa. There are more than enough for everyone. As a matter of fact, they even tell you upon check in that if your chairs are left unattended for an hour or more, they will probably remove your towels and such. Not that I seen that happen, as it was not crowded at all. We stayed in the Tara wing, continental breakfast was just enough. Lunch on the beach was very good. Decent selection, something for everyone, ran about $20.00 for 2 people with soft drinks and service charge. Tried Pizza Bob’s across the parking lot, good thin crust pizza & salad ($24.00 for 2) including soft drinks. They had 2 happy hours, 4-6 PM & 9-10 PM. Steel drum player during both, and the prices were reasonable $3.00 for an Island Sunset, $3.00 for a Bacardi & coke,$ 3.25 for a Balashi during happy hour. They also free poured, no measured shots in the mixed drinks.
I had read a post saying that you couldn’t control the AC in the rooms, this wasn’t the case in the Tara wing, we had our own Thermostat, as well as 2 dehumidifiers & an air purifier. This was heaven on earth for us non-smokers!

For dinners we ate at the following:
French Steakhouse – Good steak, but didn’t compare to El Gaucho, reasonably priced.
Blossoms @ Aruba Spa – Good Japanese Hibachi, just like Benihana.
Fishes & More – Great seared Tuna & Bouillabaisse
El Gaucho – Better than great steak, very good Sangria as well.
Miarandi – Our favorite on the trip.
Sole Mare – Very good Italian food.
Chalet Suisse – Very good food, a little pricey.

Interestingly, I have read posts about Valentino’s (closed), I was never impressed, thought it was over priced, however, what goes around comes around, my taxi driver going back to the hotel from El Gaucho was none other than the former Maitre’d at Valentino’s.

I have read bad reports about the pool, while it wasn’t spectacular, just a 6ft deep rectangular pool, it was very clean, what else do you need? They are going to be renovating the pool next spring. Building a free form pool.

Staff could not be nicer, very helpful. The last morning we were there, the top floors of the Tara Suites lost water pressure, but they provided other rooms to shower & change in. Also offer a hospitality room, if needed after checkout for changing, showering etc.

Flights on Continental both ways left on time and arrived ½ hr early.

I totally agree with you Suz , We were there in May for the first time there at Bucuti. I actually asked for advise via this board about the construction {we were not staying in the Tara wing} noise , any inconvienence etc. Staff at Bucuti must check this board and they e- mailed me to address my concerns. They actually switched us to the Tara wing.And yes the staff was very nice and friendly.I am also sold!